It has been a season like no other in Scotland, as Celtic, alongside bitter rivals Rangers, have suffered like never before.
Scottish football often struggles for respect beyond its own borders, but this gripping, down-to-the-wire three-way title race has forced a massive shift in the narrative, drawing in a surge of global intrigue and positive attention.
Gary Lineker discussed the opening round of post-split fixtures following the weekend of action, where Celtic and Hearts won, but Rangers were beaten by Motherwell at Ibrox.
Speaking on The Rest is Football, the former striker labelled the Scottish Premiership as a ‘bonkers’ set-up, as Micah Richards wanted an explainer on the post-split fixtures work.
Richards: “Please, can someone from Scottish football, please come on, and explain how it works. I look at the table. I know it’s split. There could be a play-off.”
Lineker: “It’s the top six, isn’t it? Then they play each other at the end. It’s a bit bonkers. It’s different from anywhere else, I think, on the planet.”
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Gary Lineker and Micah Richards discuss Scottish Premiership title race
It is hardly surprising to hear Lineker claim that ‘neutrals’ outside of Scotland are desperate to see Derek McInnes’ Hearts pull off a stunning title victory.
That natural underdog support stems from Celtic’s unrelenting dominance over the last two decades.
The craving for a fresh narrative is entirely understandable when you consider that to find a top-flight champion from outside of Glasgow, you have to look all the way back to the 1984-85 season, when a certain Alex Ferguson guided Aberdeen to the crown.
But either way, Scottish football is gripping the audience down south, as it isn’t a surprise to hear that they don’t understand how the post-split fixtures system works.
Lineker: “Is it as complicated (referring to the five-a-side Ballers League, where Richards is a manager) as the top of the Scottish Premiership?
Richards: “Please, can someone from Scottish football, please come on, and explain how it works. I look at the table. I know it’s split. There could be a play-off.”
Lineker: “It’s the top six, isn’t it? Then they play each other at the end. It’s a bit bonkers. It’s different from anywhere else, I think, on the planet.
“I saw Hearts came from behind in the derby. I know Hibs got a couple of players sent off. Rangers were 2-0 down. They got to 2-2, and then lost. Celtic won.
“It’s really tight. I think most neutrals outside of Celtic would like, and probably a lot of people in Scotland, although pretty much everyone supports Celtic or Rangers, I guess, but they would like to see Hearts do it.
“What is it? 40 years since a non-Rangers or Celtic team won. But it’s all a bit mad up there.”
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